30 Easy Meals For College Students

By Julia Bianco on April 16, 2014

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College students often resort to staples like Easy Mac and Ramen when it comes time to cook their own meals, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Being in college doesn’t mean that you can’t be a good cook. There are plenty of meals that you can make quickly and cheaply, without sacrificing any of the flavor. Here are 30 easy meals to whip up in your own kitchen.

Breakfast

Photo by Violette on Flickr.com

1. Cinnamon Roll Waffles 

The only thing you need for this delicious recipe is a waffle maker and some pre-made cinnamon rolls.

2. Oatmeal Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Muffins

These muffins are perfect to bake and then save for later— a full batch can give you a week of breakfasts.

3. French Toast

This French toast is made with whole wheat bread, so it’s basically healthy, right?

4. Blueberry-banana smoothie

This recipe just takes a few quick minutes to whip up, so it’s great for the days when you’re rushing to class.

5. Hash browns

According to this blogger, these hash browns should only cost $0.53 to make, which means that there is no excuse to settle for something else.

Appetizers

Photo by emmyloucooper on Flickr.com

1. Mexican Edamame Dip

This dip is a great low-calorie alternative to guacamole. Plus, everyone at your next party will be impressed when they realize that you made it yourself.

2. Minestrone Soup

This soup is cheap, and it makes great leftovers.

3. Clean-the-fridge Soup

This soup is designed so that you can throw in whatever you have laying around, which is perfect for when you need to clean out the fridge.

4. Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad

Don’t worry, this salad isn’t all vegetables— it also contains bacon!

5. Pesto Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes

These tomatoes are sure to make you a hit at any party. All of your friends will be impressed with how “hard” you worked to make them!

Lunch and Dinner 

Photo by matakcheks on Flickr.com

1. Beef and Broccoli Bowl

This beef and broccoli bowl, which also includes garlic and red pepper, is spicy and fun. The flavor burst is a great break from bland dining hall food.

2. Mini Calzones

These calzones are quick and easy to make, and, because they use pre-made Pillsbury dough, they won’t break the bank.

3. Chili

This chili is cheap and easy to make, and also includes yellow onions and green pepper for some added flour.

4. Curried Shrimp, Brown Rice and Peas

This meal is very healthy, and shrimp are sure to be a nice break from the monotony of dining hall chicken and beef.

5. Parmesan Chicken Cutlets

These chicken breasts are easy to make and the cheesy taste makes them fun and exciting. 

Vegetarian

Photo by Laura Flowers on Flickr.com

1. Grilled Veggie Ciabatta Pizza

This recipe can be adapted to include all of your favorite veggies.

2. Vegetarian Lasagna

This lasagna, made with spinach and ricotta cheese, is made in the microwave, so you won’t even need to turn on the oven.

3. Vegetable Stir Fry with Rice

This recipe is super healthy, and the teriyaki and soy sauce add an irresistible flavor to the mix.

4. Eggplant Parmesan

Cooking up this fancy meal will make all of your friends jealous of your culinary abilities. Of course, they don’t know how easy this recipe is, but you don’t have to tell them.

5. Soy-Glazed Tofu Kale Sauté

This recipe is great for tofu lovers and non-tofu lovers alike, as the extra sauce and vegetables give it a new and exciting flavor.

Sides 

Photo by Kelly Garbato on Flickr.com

1. Garlic Toast

This garlic toast is quick and easy to make, since it uses store-bought bread.

2. Microwave Mac and Cheese

In just 25 short minutes, you can have your own homemade microwave macaroni and cheese. A bit longer than Easy Mac, but definitely worth the wait.

3. Vegetable Potato Goulash

This extra flavorful Austrian dish is a nice side to have with something more mild, like a simple grilled chicken.

4. Fennel Roasted Potatoes

Adding fennel to this potato dish is a nice change from what you would normally expect.

5. Armadillo Potatoes

These potatoes with hot sauce and bacon look very fancy, but they’re also extremely easy to make.

Dessert

Photo by David Leggett on Flickr.com

1. Fudgy Strawberry Brownie Nachos

Brownies and nachos together? Yes please!

2. Chocolate Covered Cookie Butter Pretzels

For those of you who saw the words cookie butter and got excited, yes, it does exist, and yes, it is delicious. Adding it to extra chocolate and pretzels just makes it even better.

3. Chocolate Chip Cookie Pie

This pie is made out of Chips Ahoy and doesn’t require baking, so it’s the perfect quick and easy dessert.

4. Cookie Dough Popcorn 

These yummy cookie dough and chocolate covered popcorn bites even have sprinkles on them!

5. Apple Crisp

This apple crisp is made in the microwave using instant oatmeal, so it should be possible for every college student.

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